The White House is stepping up efforts to block illegal immigrants from accessing a wide range of taxpayer-funded benefits, framing this move as part of a broader campaign to reduce government waste. The Trump administration detailed new restrictions that would bar illegal immigrants from over 15 federal assistance programs, accounting for roughly $40 billion in public spending. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told Fox News Digital that illegal immigrants will no longer be allowed “to steal public benefits at the expense of hardworking American taxpayers,” adding, “That ends now. Under President Trump, it’s America first always.”

Most of the restricted programs fall under the Department of Health and Human Services, with others managed by the Departments of Education, Agriculture, Labor, and Justice. The White House announced that government health services such as Head Start, substance abuse prevention and treatment programs, family planning benefits, and health workforce loans and scholarships will no longer be available to illegal immigrants.

This initiative aligns with President Trump’s twin campaign promises of stricter immigration enforcement and cutting wasteful spending. It follows the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Trump’s signature spending and tax legislation, where Medicaid was a key focus.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt assured that the bill protects Medicaid for those truly in need, like pregnant women, children, and the disabled, while encouraging able-bodied Americans to work at least 20 hours a week to maintain eligibility.

The move raises ongoing debate about immigration policy and the extent of government support for undocumented individuals.